cw: favouritism; gender stereotyping
Joshua ’ Josh ’ Quentin Matwell (35) is someone Angelika has defended, although here it’s a little more obvious why, as he’s one of her most consistent venue owners willing to put up with her shameless nastiness. Unlike Angelika, Josh has a distant relationship with his sister Joanna, but his employee is happy to insist this is ‘valid’, as Joanna is just ‘disappointed in herself and jealous of him’. Technically Joanna did have a lot to envy growing up: Josh was the blatant favourite of their parents, praised for every accomplishment and achievement, while their daughter was given a lukewarm reception at best.
This behaviour has been repeated by Josh with his own kids - Stephan and Carolyn - but he’s firmly in denial, arguing with Joanna when she’s tried to point this out. After all, Josh has always been told of his inability to do wrong, so how could he be making errors as a father? Josh’s ‘helpful’ advice to Carolyn has been that she doesn’t need to bother with sports, given her brother’s naturally gifted. He sees this as the best way of supporting his wife Ruby, who believes tomboyish ways will get their daughter bullied, and given how his parents spoke of his inherent talents, Josh backs his wife 100%.
Recently there has been some discord in the marriage though, as Josh has been asking Ruby about conceiving for a third time. Really this is another echo of childhood, as Joanna would call it (woe betide her of course). Often she and Joshs’ parents would bemoan not having a third baby - who they planned on naming either Julia or Jacob, continuing their theme - which has manifested in Josh wishing to complete this for them. Deep down, he fears losing his status, as really, what could be worse than receiving Joanna and Carolyn’s treatment? Not that he’s self-aware enough to rectify things…at the moment.
Joanna was created by @kitkatcookie
Ruby was created by @jinxed_peach
Carolyn was created by @olivelovesnames